iOS 16 public beta is available: Apple’s warning and other things you should know

Apple is releasing the first public betas of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 today (July 12). Downloading the public beta will give iPhone users early access to the range of new features coming to iPhones later this year. This includes all-new lockscreen, with the ability to customize it with new fonts, colors, and widgets. In an unexpected move, Apple also revised the versions the third iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura betas for developers. The company instead of fourth-build versions, revised its third developer beta builds of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura. Though there is no official confirmation, this appears to be aimed at synchronizing these builds with their public beta counterparts. Here’s what iPhone users need to know before downloading the iOS 16 public beta.
What iOS16 public beta means for iPhone users
Apple iPhone users who download the iOS16 public beta will be able to try out the new features coming to iPhones later this year.
How can iPhone users sign for Public beta
Apple iPhone users who want to download the beta can sign up for Apple’s public beta testing program on the company’s website — https://beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/
Apple’s warning about running the iOS 16 public beta
Apple has a word of caution for users downloading the public beta: “Apple Beta Software Program allows users try out pre-release software. The feedback you provide on quality and usability helps us identify issues, fix them, and make Apple software even better. Please note that since the public beta software has not yet been commercially released by Apple, it may contain errors or inaccuracies and may not function as well as commercially released software. Be sure to back up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and your Mac using Time Machine before installing beta software.”
Does installing Apple’s public beta void warranty
No, installing the public beta software does not void your device’s hardware warranty.
What is the build number of the public beta
The iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 public betas have a build number of 20A5312j. The watchOS 9 and tvOS 16 public betas build numbers are 20R5316f and 20J5328g respectively.